AJ claims health issue before first Ruiz fight

[Controversial]

Just on BBC website

Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua says a health issue left him "tired" and "drained" in the build-up to his June defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr.

Joshua, 30, reclaimed his world titles in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, dominating the Mexican over 12 rounds.

Conspiracy theories had circulated after his initial defeat, one of the biggest shocks in heavyweight history.

"I had some issue with my health which I was going through for a long time," Joshua told the BBC's Mike Costello.

"I didn't know what was wrong with me. I felt so tired and drained and thought it must be down to training.

"In the changing room before the fight I got a bucket of ice and was putting my head in it thinking 'why do I feel so tired?'

"The responsibilities of being world champion are difficult. All that stuff, feeling so tired, dealing with obligations.

"Now I have energy, I haven't missed a session."

The Briton added: "After my check-ups it showed what the problem was and this is what you have to get sorted.

"Even in this camp I had an operation done but as I'd started training in June I had no issues."

Joshua refused to say what the operation was but it is understood the procedure he had in June was linked to the issue diagnosed after his defeat by Ruiz.

[Nondescript]

Just on BBC website

Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua says a health issue left him "tired" and "drained" in the build-up to his June defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr.

Joshua, 30, reclaimed his world titles in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, dominating the Mexican over 12 rounds.

Conspiracy theories had circulated after his initial defeat, one of the biggest shocks in heavyweight history.

"I had some issue with my health which I was going through for a long time," Joshua told the BBC's Mike Costello.

"I didn't know what was wrong with me. I felt so tired and drained and thought it must be down to training.

"In the changing room before the fight I got a bucket of ice and was putting my head in it thinking 'why do I feel so tired?'

"The responsibilities of being world champion are difficult. All that stuff, feeling so tired, dealing with obligations.

"Now I have energy, I haven't missed a session."

The Briton added: "After my check-ups it showed what the problem was and this is what you have to get sorted.

"Even in this camp I had an operation done but as I'd started training in June I had no issues."

Joshua refused to say what the operation was but it is understood the procedure he had in June was linked to the issue diagnosed after his defeat by Ruiz.

To be honest, he did look odd in the ring before the first fight.

I remember him leaning against the ropes with his gumshield hanging out of his mouth.

[SAPFO]

Let’s speculate.

What conditions make you extremely tired, and are corrected with an operation?

[Nightmare Roy]

Let’s speculate.

What conditions make you extremely tired, and are corrected with an operation?

Heart valves replaced, but that’s one hell of an op which leaves you bed ridden for 6 months.

[rd350lc]

Don't know how to go back on posts and threads , but it was me that started the thread about " something not right about Joshua " or something along those lines . Hope it doesn't go down as "the" reason on the night of the first fight because if he'd of fought that way again this time he'd have lost again , but there were some very odd things in his mannerisms on the ringwalk etc and even looked if he was struggling to breathe properly before the fight started . The way his dad kicked off after the fight was an indication something had gone on as well . He also admitted to the DAZN ring reporter last night something was wrong but wouldn't say what .

[Nondescript]

Don't know how to go back on posts and threads , but it was me that started the thread about " something not right about Joshua " or something along those lines . Hope it doesn't go down as "the" reason on the night of the first fight because if he'd of fought that way again this time he'd have lost again , but there were some very odd things in his mannerisms on the ringwalk etc and even looked if he was struggling to breathe properly before the fight started . The way his dad kicked off after the fight was an indication something had gone on as well . He also admitted to the DAZN ring reporter last night something was wrong but wouldn't say what .

Be careful. James might call you a conspiracy theorist.

[rd350lc]

Don't know how to go back on posts and threads , but it was me that started the thread about " something not right about Joshua " or something along those lines . Hope it doesn't go down as "the" reason on the night of the first fight because if he'd of fought that way again this time he'd have lost again , but there were some very odd things in his mannerisms on the ringwalk etc and even looked if he was struggling to breathe properly before the fight started . The way his dad kicked off after the fight was an indication something had gone on as well . He also admitted to the DAZN ring reporter last night something was wrong but wouldn't say what .

Be careful. James might call you a conspiracy theorist.

Is that a compliment ?

[bigjack]

If it was the reason he lost then why did he completely change his style for the rematch.

[rd350lc]

If it was the reason he lost then why did he completely change his style for the rematch.

Exactly , if he have fought the same way he'd of lost again, also think Wilders destruction of Breazeale shortly before made it a certainty he needed to look good against Ruiz on his US debut and a points win like last night wouldn't have satisfied most people .

[ShadrachSimmo]

Ah so that explains it. He’s still undefeated then. Can we start a petition?....

[Controversial]

So what medical issue would cause tiredness that requires an operation, any doctors here?

[the_doctor]

Thyroid issue perhaps

[Controversial]

Thyroid issue perhaps

And “the doctor”‘appears lol

[the_doctor]

Thyroid issue perhaps

And “the doctor”‘appears lol

Should have added the disclaimer - not actually a doctor!

[Verdi]

Let’s speculate.

What conditions make you extremely tired, and are corrected with an operation?

Brain tumour.

[Controversial]

And “the doctor”‘appears lol

Should have added the disclaimer - not actually a doctor!

Ha noted, thyroid problem was my first thought as well

[Ruthless-RKO]

Don't know how to go back on posts and threads , but it was me that started the thread about " something not right about Joshua " or something along those lines . Hope it doesn't go down as "the" reason on the night of the first fight because if he'd of fought that way again this time he'd have lost again , but there were some very odd things in his mannerisms on the ringwalk etc and even looked if he was struggling to breathe properly before the fight started . The way his dad kicked off after the fight was an indication something had gone on as well . He also admitted to the DAZN ring reporter last night something was wrong but wouldn't say what .

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=231034&hilit=Joshua

You’re welcome.

[Verdi]

He'll tell us in his book.

[Controversial]

To be honest, he did look odd in the ring before the first fight.

I remember him leaning against the ropes with his gumshield hanging out of his mouth.

Yeah it was discussed to death wasn't it but assuming this health thing is true it might explain why he was knackered after 3 rounds. Let's face it the punch done the damage though so tiredness aside thats what lost him the fight.

[Nondescript]

Severe anaemia perhaps. He'd need blood transfusions with that though.

[rd350lc]

Don't know how to go back on posts and threads , but it was me that started the thread about " something not right about Joshua " or something along those lines . Hope it doesn't go down as "the" reason on the night of the first fight because if he'd of fought that way again this time he'd have lost again , but there were some very odd things in his mannerisms on the ringwalk etc and even looked if he was struggling to breathe properly before the fight started . The way his dad kicked off after the fight was an indication something had gone on as well . He also admitted to the DAZN ring reporter last night something was wrong but wouldn't say what .

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=231034&hilit=Joshua

You’re welcome.

Ta mate

[Controversial]

It might explain why AJ seemed to take the defeat so well, I guess if he knew there was a reason behind his lacklustre display it would make a loss easier to justify in his own head.

[rd350lc]

He'll tell us in his book.

Yes , he did say that in the dazn interview , not one to miss a commercial opportunity is he !

[rd350lc]

It might explain why AJ seemed to take the defeat so well, I guess if he knew there was a reason behind his lacklustre display it would make a loss easier to justify in his own head.

That's what I couldn't believe , it was like he wasn't that bothered about losing ,most bizzare behaviour , most would be crestfallen and devastated . All added up to a strange night in New York.

[forcefraser]

Thyroid